INCUBATION

In January of 2009, WESST opened the doors of the WESST Enterprise Center, a mixed-use business incubation facility in east downtown Albuquerque. The Silver LEED-certified incubator is a hub for entrepreneurship and small business development in Albuquerque and beyond.

The 37,000-square-foot facility offers state-of-the-art amenities and business assistance programs for up to 20 light manufacturing, service, professional and technology businesses.

HELPING BUSINESSES SURVIVE + THRIVE DURING THE CRITICAL START-UP PHASE

Emerging businesses who are members of the WESST Enterprise Center receive operational support and resources that help accelerate growth during the critical start-up phase and encourage long-term success. The facility is equipped to house businesses in many industries including artisan manufacturing, digital media production, information technology, and business and consumer services. Today, the Enterprise Center is home to small business members in the technology, health care and biotechnology industries.

Between 2009-2024, member companies of the WESST Enterprise Center created a combined total of: 455 new jobs with a total payroll of $79.5M, generated $190.4M in revenues and raised $20.1M in equity investments.

WESST ENTERPRISE CENTER

The Enterprise Center’s amenities and operational support services include:

A comprehensive program of on-site business workshops, seminars and networking events
Individual consultations with WESST business professionals
Access to WESST’s network of mentors and advisors in many business specialties including advertising, accounting, finance, law, marketing, operations and sales
High speed internet access
Integrated VOIP Phone Service and teleconferencing, currently Zoom Workplace
Conference and meeting rooms with audio/visual equipment
Receptionist service
Off-street parking, high bay door access, flexible office, light industrial space and Class 1 Wet Lab Spaces.

INCUBATOR GRADUATES

MEMBER COMPANIES

MEMBER ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION PROCESS

The purpose of business incubation is to bring resources and experience to young companies during their early years, the most vulnerable period of their existence. WESST will work with your company to enhance your management team’s skills in business disciplines including: marketing, bookkeeping, legal assistance, management, human resources, and other business areas as deemed necessary. Incubators provide office space, business instruction and shared amenities for early-stage companies in a symbiotic, collegial atmosphere. The standard industry incubation time is 18-36 months until the company grows and can afford commercial retail rates.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the WESST Enterprise Center, please review the eligibility guidelines. If you meet the requirements and would like more information about available space and specs, please call the Managing Director at 505-246-6900 or submit a member inquiry. The WEC conference and meeting rooms are available on a limited basis. To request a quote and check availability, please complete the Book WESST Event Space.

ELIGIBILITY

The following factors will be used to assess a company’s suitability for the WESST Enterprise Center:

Be willing to work with the WEC team, advisors, and mentors on development of the company.
Be located or willing to locate in New Mexico and have an Albuquerque business license.
Have 50% or more of its employees in New Mexico.
Have a business plan, or executive summary (or be willing to work to complete one).
Have a management team in place or under development.
Be a growth-oriented, for-profit company with potential for job creation.
Show sufficient income or capital commitment to complete the incubation process.
Be willing to hire from low-to-moderate income wage earner pool whenever possible.
Not be a defendant in litigation.
Company has filed both federal and state income tax reports and state CRS (gross receipts) for the years the company has been in business and has no past-due debt to a federal or state agency.
Company has no outstanding federal or state tax liens.

INCUBATOR APPLICATION PROCESS

We welcome your application to the WESST Enterprise Center. That application process includes:

Submission of Incubator Member Inquiry
An interview with incubator Managing Director
Submission of your company’s business plan
Completion of incubator application including credit report on the owner and/or the company
A 30-minute presentation to Admissions Committee
Approval by the Admissions Committee

INCUBATOR MEMBER INQUIRY

Eligibility